There’s something irresistibly delightful about Hawaiian Turkey Sliders that brings a taste of the tropics right to your dinner table. These mini sandwiches strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with juicy turkey patties topped with grilled pineapple, melty cheese, and a tangy sauce that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
As a busy home cook myself, I love recipes that feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. These sliders are exactly that—impressive enough for a weekend gathering but simple enough for a weeknight family dinner when you’re craving something beyond the ordinary.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick prep time—only about 45 minutes from start to finish
- The perfect sweet-savory balance with juicy pineapple complementing savory turkey
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy
- Versatile recipe that works for lunch, dinner, or as party appetizers
- Healthier alternative to beef sliders without sacrificing flavor
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely minced
- 1/3 cup green onions, sliced thin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 fresh pineapple, cored and sliced into rings
- 1-2 cups bell peppers, any color
- 6-8 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups teriyaki sauce
- 8 slider buns or small hamburger buns
- Vegetable oil for grill grates
Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently mix ground turkey, minced jalapeño, and sliced green onions. Form into 8 small slider-sized patties, making a slight indent in the center of each. Place on a plate and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat grill to high heat. Clean and oil the grates using a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking.
- Place whole bell peppers on the hot grill and roast for about 30 seconds per side until nice grill marks appear. Remove to a cutting board, let cool for a minute, then slice into strips.
- Reduce grill heat to medium-high. Place turkey patties on the grill and immediately turn heat down to medium. Cook for 5 minutes without moving them. If they stick to the grates, they're not ready yet. Flip and cook 5-6 minutes more.
- While burgers cook, add pineapple rings to the grill. Cook for 2 minutes per side until you get beautiful caramelized grill marks. Remove to a plate.
- During the last minute of cooking, spoon teriyaki sauce over each patty and top with a slice of cheese. Let the cheese melt slightly from the grill heat.
- Place slider buns cut-side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until warmed and lightly toasted. Assemble sliders with patty on bottom bun, topped with grilled peppers, grilled pineapple, and an extra drizzle of teriyaki sauce. Top with other bun half and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha to the mayo-barbecue sauce mixture
- Substitute ground chicken if turkey isn’t available
- Add a slice of crispy bacon to each slider for extra flavor and texture
- Make ahead by preparing the patties up to a day in advance and storing in the refrigerator
- Try teriyaki sauce instead of barbecue for a more traditional Hawaiian flavor
- For a lighter option, serve the patties on lettuce wraps instead of rolls
Serving Suggestions
These Hawaiian Turkey Sliders pair beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sliders. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside sweet potato fries or a tropical fruit salad with mango, papaya, and kiwi to continue the Hawaiian theme.
For beverages, consider serving with a tropical punch, pineapple iced tea, or for the adults, a light beer with citrus notes that complements the sweet-savory profile of these delightful sliders.
Notes
- Turkey patties should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety
- Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator
- To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes
- If using fresh pineapple, select one that’s ripe but still firm for easier grilling
FAQs
Can I make these sliders with beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef works wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time as needed since beef typically cooks faster than turkey.
How do I prevent my turkey patties from drying out?
Be careful not to overmix the meat, and don’t press down on the patties while cooking. The soy sauce in the recipe also helps keep them moist.
Can I make these in advance for a party?
Yes! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Are there any gluten-free options for these sliders?
You can use gluten-free rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls and ensure your barbecue sauce and soy sauce are certified gluten-free (or use tamari).
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